Borrowing Treasures

Qixia Mountain stands before the Purple Empyrean Golden Palace.

Su Yao stood on the white jade square, his gaze passing over the Rainbow Bridge and looking down the mountain.

The floodwaters in Qinghe Commandery City have receded by more than half. After the sky was filled a month ago, no new water from the Heavenly River fell into the human world. Subsequently, the three Spirit Treasure, River-Gathering Cauldron, Guixu Inkstone, and Sunken Abyss Pearl, each displayed their abilities, gradually gathering and channeling the water from the Heavenly River back into its original flow.

The riverbank veins secured by the Mountain-Coiling Staff and the Mountain-Subduing Seal no longer bear the fierce impact of the Heavenly River. In the southern sky, the Qi of Returning Water is still surging, but the vast water force is no longer violent, leaving only a deep, dark light flowing slowly at the end of the sky.

He turned around, intending to head towards the Ancestral Hall to find Qingzhu, only to find that Qingzhu was already standing behind him.

The Qingyang's four hooves trod on the white jade steps, its Azure Jade- colored fur gleaming warmly in the sunlight. It held the Ask Amid the Clouds in its mouth, its Azure Jade- colored eyes half-closed, exuding a languid air.

Su Yao was taken aback and was about to ask a question when Qingzhu interrupted him:

"Come with me to the foot of the mountain to see an old man."

Upon hearing this, Su Yao nodded without asking any further questions.

The Qingyang turned and walked down the mountain, its four hooves making a very soft "tap-tap" sound on the stone steps.

Su Yao followed behind it, the two of them descending the white jade steps, passing the Rainbow Bridge, going through the mountain gate, walking along the lush green mountain path, and finally arriving at the Qixia Mountain.

Beneath the ancient trees at the foot of the mountain, a white figure stood silently.

It was a boy who looked no more than twelve or thirteen years old. He was not tall enough, and his face was blurry as if seen through a thin mist. No matter how hard one tried, one could not remember him clearly.

Only a pair of extremely pale pupils could be vaguely seen, like a deep, still well, without any ripples or waves.

His True Qi flowed slowly around him, neither strong nor weak, yet like an ancient morning mist, enveloping the surrounding area in a vast and ancient atmosphere.

Hanging from his waist was an object, entirely white, with faintly visible Taiji Talisman Edict patterns flowing endlessly on its surface.

It was the Jade Void Envoy whom Su Yao had met several times in Nanzhao.

Upon seeing Su Yao and Qingzhu, He didn't wait for greetings and spoke directly, his voice ethereal and far-reaching, as if it came from beyond the nine heavens:

"Qingzhu, now you won't even let me into Qixia Mountain?"

Qingyang put Ask Amid the Clouds down from his mouth, his voice clear and melodious, yet carrying a hint of coldness that was neither humble nor arrogant:

"The envoy comes from Jade Void, and should be treated as an honored guest. However, the Daozheng is not here now, and my cultivation is too shallow to allow others to enter the mountain."

Upon hearing this, the white-robed Supreme True Person simply smiled and then remained silent.

Su Yao immediately stepped forward and bowed in greeting:

"Abbot Su Yao of Qixia Temple greets the Supreme True Person."

He nodded upon hearing this, waved his hand, and his gaze fell on Su Yao's face, his tone becoming more gentle:

"Indeed, your cultivation has improved again. The master is busy now, but when he finishes and bestows the second-class reward upon Nanzhao, I will definitely put in a good word for you with him."

Upon hearing this, Su Yao bowed again and said:

"Thank you Supreme True Person, Your Excellency. I am deeply grateful."

Seeing this, Qingzhu remained silent, but her guard was gradually rising.

At this moment, the Supreme True Person white first looked at Qingzhu, then looked back at Su Yao and said:

"True Lord Xicheng is battling that Old Devil in Mount Zhongnan, suffering day and night. Just now, when I was returning to Kunlun from Nanzhao, I passed through Zhongnan, True Lord manifested an avatar to see me, entrusting me to go to Qixia Mountain to retrieve the Heaven-Piercing Pillar and take it to Zhongnan. What does Guan Yu think?"

Upon hearing this, Su Yao was startled.

Since its establishment by Patriarch Yun Zhongzi, Qixia Temple has a total of four semi-divine artifacts.

These are Ask Amid the Clouds, Purple Rosy Cloud Robe, Flying Cloud Crossing, and Heaven-Piercing Pillar. Among them, Ask Amid the Clouds and Purple Rosy Cloud Robe were personally crafted by Ancestor Yun Zhongzi Zhong Zi. Ask Amid the Clouds on Qixia Mountain, while Purple Rosy Cloud Robe is in the hands of True Lord Xicheng.

The Flying Cloud Crossing, which was forged by the three generations of patriarchs, was taken away by Daozheng.

The remaining item was the Heaven-Piercing Pillar bestowed by the Dao Ancestor. This was the only immortal artifact he had never seen before; he had only ever heard of it but never actually possessed it.

There is also a semi-divine artifact, namely the Zhengji Sword.

This sword is an ancient sword, forged by the Dao Ancestor. The level of the sword depends on the cultivation level of the wielder. For the Purple Mansion wielder, it is Spirit Treasure; for True Lord wielder, it is a magic Law Treasure an immortal or Dao Lord wielder, it is a celestial artifact.

He only knew the name of the Heaven-Piercing Pillar; he had never actually seen it.

Just as he was pondering, Qingzhu spoke, her voice filled with anger:

"The Heaven-Piercing Pillar located in the Jade Pillar Grotto-Heaven, which has always hovered above Zhongnan. If Xicheng wants to use it, he can go and get it himself. Why do you need to ask Baihezi to come to Qixia Mountain to get it?"

Upon hearing this, Baihezi laughed and said:

"I knew I couldn't fool Senior Qingzhu. I've come here to borrow the Heaven-Piercing Pillar to put some juniors under my thumb."

Upon hearing this, Qingzhu coldly replied:

"The Heaven-Piercing Pillar is in the Jade Pillar Grotto-Heaven. Baihezi, if you want to go to Mount Zhongnan to find Xicheng, don't bother me here."

After saying that, he fell silent.

Upon hearing this, Baihezi first sighed softly, then remained silent for a moment before saying:

"If Qixia is willing to borrow the Heaven-Piercing Pillar this time... I can ask the True Lord of the Blazing Fire Path of the Eight Sceneries Palace to borrow the Five Fires Seven Fowl Fan from Mount Lao to help True Lord Xicheng annihilate the Blood Devil in Mount Zhongnan."

Qingzhu snorted coldly:

"The Heaven-Piercing Pillar is in Mount Zhongnan, not here."

Seeing Qingzhu's state, Baihezi finally took a step back and said:

"Could I borrow two of the Wu Earth Law Treasure?"

Qingzhu sneered:

"The one who should borrow the Law Treasure of the Wu Earth element is going to Jieshi, not to my Qixia."

Baihezi shook her head, a hint of helplessness in her voice:

"Although the Wu Earth is located in Jieshi, Jieshi is not skilled in crafting magical artifacts. Not only did the two Heavenly Venerable, the South Pole and the Beiwu, leave behind few Law Treasure, but most of the magical Law Treasure in Jieshi are used to suppress vital points, while most of the magical Law Treasure in Qixia are now idle. In addition, the Heavenly Venerable Yunzhong was a famous artifact craftsman in the past, and even imitated the Dao Ancestor's supreme treasures. If I remember correctly, the Heavenly Venerable Yunzhong imitated the South Pole Heavenly Venerable's immortal artifacts, the Heavenly Longevity Staff and the Five Smoke Chariot. Although they were not as good as immortal artifacts, they were still Law Treasure."

He paused, then continued:

"Could we borrow it for a while? Putting aside other matters, if Qixia needs to borrow the Five Fires Seven Fowl Fan from Mount Lao, the Second Master is willing to pledge the immortal artifact to Mount Lao."

Qingzhu pondered for a moment, then slowly said:

"I need to send a message to Qizhenzi."

Baihezi nodded.

Qingzhu turned and walked away, but after taking a few steps, she turned back and said:

"Su Yao, come with me to fetch the Immortal Wine and Immortal Apricots to entertain the Jade Void Envoy. Don't let him say that Qixia has failed in his hospitality."

Su Yao responded and turned to follow, but in his heart he was thinking. He had seen the Dao Ancestor's treasure that the Patriarch had made, after all, it was still in the Qixia Treasure Cave. However, he had heard Daozheng say that there was no Heavenly Venerable in Qixia Mountain, so it was not appropriate to take it out and use it.

Behind them, seeing Su Yao and Qingzhu leave, Baihezi shook his head slightly, his gaze falling on the receding ocean below the mountain, remaining silent for a long time.

After Xicheng attained enlightenment, he refused to bow down and asked Jade Void, Eight Sceneries, Biyou for help in eliminating the demon. Instead, he interfered in worldly affairs, wanting to help the Prince of Han Great Qing to ascend the Li Fire and the power of Human Dao to eliminate the Blood Devil. After failing, coupled with the fact that Azure Jade refused to lend him Law Treasure because Eight Sceneries Palace was biased towards Yuanfu and interfered, Qizhenzi and Qingzhu became estranged from Jade Void after that.

Minor matters are permissible, but anything involving fundamental principles is out of the question, just as the True Lord Qingyuan Miaodao of yesteryear obeyed the summons but refused the appointment...

Adding to the fact that back then... various factions stood idly by as the four great demons joined forces to besiege Qixia Mountain in the north, and were repelled by Qizhenzi using Flying Cloud Crossing and Heaven-Piercing Pillar, with Qingzhu using Ask Amid the Clouds, the situation became even more serious.

In addition, the original intention was to take advantage of the fact that Qixia had no immortals or Dao Lord to force it to submit, and to tacitly allow the Confucian School to take action. Who knew that later, that Confucian School sage personally took action against Qixia, just then the Dao Lord Jieshi broken through to the Daoist level arrived with the Heavenly Longevity Staff and almost killed that sage.

Only then did everyone realize that Qixia's foundation was still intact, and it was still receiving help from Jieshi, which is why it had been peaceful for so many years.

It's unclear whether this will offend Jieshi.

After all, since the chaos of the Nanzhao War, the Dao Lord of Jieshi and Qizhenzi had disappeared without a trace. He had come to find Qingzhu many times, but each time he brought it up, Qingzhu would say that he did not know.

But whenever he needed something from someone, he would use the excuse of going to find Qizhenzi...

Just like the Heaven-Piercing Pillar, Qizhenzi used it once, but now Qingzhu says it's in the Jade Pillar Grotto-Heaven.

Just as he was pondering this, Su Yao arrived carrying a pot of celestial wine and apricots.

Su Yao approached, presented the tray, and said:

"My Supreme True Person, I apologize for the poor hospitality. This wine is called ' Vermilion Rosy Cloud Brew,' brewed when True Lord Xicheng ascended to the throne. As for this apricot, I believe you are familiar with Supreme True Person; it is the fruit of the immortal apricot tree on East Kunlun Mountain."

Baihezi nodded, and with a wave of his hand, the tray appeared before him.

He picked up the wine jug, took a sip, a strange glint flashing in his eyes, and then praised:

"Fine wine, named after Danxia, truly embodies the glow of the sunset as it enters the throat, with a lingering warmth. It is indeed worthy of being brewed by Xicheng using the energy of heaven and earth when he attained enlightenment."

Then He looked at the apricots on the plate, picked one up, examined it for a moment, and suddenly smiled:

"When the Heavenly Venerable attained enlightenment, he rose from Zhongnan and settled here. Heavenly Venerable that it would disrupt his Dao Path, he used earth to create the Thirty-Six Peaks of Qixia Wu Earth, and spat out the apricot pit he had held in his mouth when he emerged from Zhongnan. Therefore, this apricot has acquired a touch of the mystical power of the Rainbow Clouds. Although it's not the first time I've eaten it, I'm always amazed. Compared to the ancestral apricot tree in East Kunlun, it has a unique flavor."

As soon as he finished speaking, he was about to taste it.

Qingzhu's voice came from not far away:

"Since those apricots aren't very good, why don't you give me a few? Don't make me wait for the one or two that are given as a reward each time they ripen."

Upon hearing this, Baihezi paused, then said:

"I have no of these apricots in stock."

Then, looking down at Su Yao, she immediately changed the subject:

"I believe Su Yao has the potential to achieve enlightenment. Once he does, I will definitely ask the Second Master to send him a few."

Qingzhu didn't press the matter further, but simply tossed a staff and a small cart over, and Xuan Yin lazily drifted over:

"Baihezi, the cranes I raise on this mountain are quite nice. Would you like me to roast a couple and have some?"

As soon as he finished speaking, the Taiji Talisman Edict suddenly rose up, transforming into a huge seal that pressed down towards Qixia Mountain.

The next moment, endless rays of light rose from the Ask Amid the Clouds above Qingzhu's mouth and rushed forward to meet them.

Seeing this, Su Yao was about to start cursing when the two Supreme True Person Immortals clashed, trapping him in the middle.

The oppressive force was as heavy as a mountain, pressing down on him so much that he couldn't move at all, and even breathing became difficult.

Just then, the Transforming Azure Bracelet on his wrist suddenly lit up, and a Qingyang leaped out of the bracelet, its four hooves treading on the air, carrying Su Yao on its back, and transformed into a streak of azure light, rushing towards the back mountain of Qixia.

As the talisman and the glow of the sunset faded, Baihezi and Qingzhu had vanished.

In front of the Ancestral Hall.

Su Yao was carried here by the Qingyang. The Qingyang put him down, and with a sway, it turned into specks of blue light and disappeared back into the Transforming Azure Bracelet.

Su Yao stumbled and grabbed onto a pear tree beside the stone steps to steady himself.

Once he stood still, he saw Qingzhu lying prone on the stone steps in front of the Ancestral Hall, Ask Amid the Clouds lay to the side, the bleating of sheep incessant, accompanied by angry curses:

"You old fool, you're using so much force! One day I'll strip you naked!"

Then he cursed:

"Yun Zhongzi, you old bastard, why did you refine the Ask Amid the Clouds so powerful? I have to vomit blood every time I use this Divine Core pill!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he tilted his head back and exhaled, and five great suns rose from his mouth, hanging in the sky and shining on him.

Five rays of Great Yang took turns relentlessly, roasting the Qingyang until its fur was fluffy, and under the warm light, a very faint layer of emerald mist shone through.

Seeing this, Su Yao's lips twitched. He slowly walked forward, looking at the five great suns and the Qingyang lying on the stone steps, then at the neglected Ask Amid the Clouds on the ground, and said softly:

"Qingzhu, I wonder how many treasures will be left in the treasure cave when I take over in the future..."

Upon hearing this, Qingzhu's expression stiffened, then she awkwardly laughed:

"It won't be less, it won't be less, it's just... I forgot to pay it back."

After saying that, he quickly changed the subject:

Do you know why I want you to be with that girl from Mount Lao?

Su Yao was silent for a moment, then slowly said:

"Five Fires Seven Fowl Fan?"

Qingzhu nodded and sighed:

"Yes, although my relationship with Mount Lao is still acceptable, ever Caiche that old bastard Caiche swindled someone's Golden Core seed back to Qixia without the consent of the then Mount Lao Dao Lord, and if it weren't for Dao Lord Xuanwei using Heavenly Venerable Yunzhong's influence and sending a Law Treasure, this matter could not have been resolved. Since then, we can only be considered 'ordinary fellow disciples of Jade Void.' When you went to Nanzhao, I asked True Lord Tianpeng for help to have a divination performed at the Lingxiao Hall. It turned out that your birth charts were compatible, which is why..."

Before he could finish speaking, Su Yao suddenly said:

"I'm confident no one Fate Divine Ability to seduce me. What about Zilin?"

Qingzhu lowered her head guiltily, her Azure Jade- green eyes darting left and right, and her voice became even softer:

"The Qingxuan and Wu Earth paths are not adept at captivating people's hearts and souls; they can only... guide."

As soon as he finished speaking, Su Yao moved swiftly and rushed towards Ask Amid the Clouds.

Seeing this, Qingzhu shifted its body and pressed down on Ask Amid the Clouds, spreading its four hooves to completely cover the sword.

Without hesitation, Su Yao climbed onto Qingzhu's neck, grabbed the pair of Azure Jade- colored ram horns with both hands, and pulled upwards forcefully.

Although Qingzhu wasn't in pain, she still bleated and refused to move.

Su Yao rode on the sheep's neck, holding its horns, while the Qingyang lay on the sword, pressing down on Ask Amid the Clouds. The two of them were tangled up in front of the Ancestral Hall.

The lush green leaves fell softly from the mountainside, landing on the ram's horn, on the white robe, and covering the area in front of the ancestral hall.

There is a word cloud:

The apricot blossoms emerge from the East Kunlun, Vermilion Rosy Cloud Brew on the lips.

A white crane carrying an imperial edict descends from the clouds, seeking to Heaven-Piercing Pillar.

Qingzhu revisits old grievances, discussing the Five Fires and Seven Birds.

Don't say the Divine Core can only be roasted; the lazy sheep, sword in hand, laughs at the mortal world.

Fallen leaves cover the ground, a person and a sheep twist together in spring.